Abstract

The source of collagenolytic bacteria responsible for the degradation of collagen in hides, which results in leather decay, has been investigated. The numbers and collagenolytic activities of the hide bacteria were determined immediately after dropping the animals and at various stages at both the abattoir and curing shed, prior to the addition of salt. The results indicated that the contamination of hides by collagenolytic bacteria, which cause leather decay, occurred on the living animal and not in the antiseptic abattoir and curing shed. These results emphasise the importance of avoiding delayed curing as the collagenolytic bacteria are already present in the hide and must be inhibited or destroyed as soon as possible.